Assembled awning structure



July 8 l952 L. M. KENDALI. I 2,602,199

ASSEMBLED AWNING STRUCTURE Filed April 8, 1948 5 Sheets-Shee't l INVENTOR Lean M /fsvanl ATTOR EYS July 8, l952 l.. M. KENDALL 2,602,199

ASSEMBLED AWNING STRUCTURE Filed April s. 194e s sheets-sheet 2 lNvENToR 'Lean frena/a!! ATTORNEYS 'FiledAprii 8, 1948 ASSEMBLED AWNING STRUCTURE 5.. Shefas-Sheetl 5 l' Plan2 lNvENToR Lea //Yefmal/ ATTORNEYS to the side sections.

AssEMBLED AWNING s'rRUo'rmtnV Leon M. Kendall, Manchester, Maine, assignor to Kenlane Manufacturing Company, Inc., Gar- Y diner, Maine, ak corporation of Maine v ApplicationrA'pril 8, 1948, Serial No. 19,6' 93 it claims. (el. 2li-57.5) v

This invention relates to improvements' in sheet metal awnings of versatile character which are to be secured to a house or other building over windows, doors, and porches, etc. The new awnings constructed in accordance with the present invention include a novel panel structure disclosed in my pending application Serial No. 730,911, led February 26th, 1947, for Adjustable Window Blind" of which the present application is a continuation-in-part.

This pending application discloses theV improved structure of the panel of the present invention in connection with its use in the making of blinds adapted to be secured to a house at the sides of the windows.- In accordance with the disclosure of said application, each blind is madefof two panels each of which is made of flexible sheet metal and includes an elongated central section with an offset narrow parallel side section on each side of the central section and united thereto by short sections at right angles The outer edges of thenarrow sections are inturned at right angles to give longitudinal `stiffness to the panel. The two panels used to make up a blind are provided with transverse reinforcing members of wood or metal at thevtop and bottom of the blind and at the position of the intermediate 'overlapping portions,`

for securing the blind to the house and providing transverse stiffness to the blind. The transverse reinforcing member is left out of one end of one panel so that it may overlap a portion ofthe other panel to provide a blind of a height adapted to match the window for which it is made.

The transverse reinforcing members, according to the pending application, are rshaped to conform with the cross-section of the sheet metal panels and they may be separately provided and applied at the time the panels are used, for example,in making upy a blind, or they can be applied to the metal sheets of the panels at the time they are made, In the latter case, two of the transverse reinforcing elements or ribs are applied to the respective ends of one panel, and one to only one end of the other panel when two panelsections are used in overlapping relation.-

.shipto make a blind or other structure. The

Vthe upper panel, unobstructed so that it can slide over and overlap the lower panel to the desired extent to give a blind of the proper height for` the window by which it is mounted. When the the panel by nails or screws advantageously applied at the turned edges and at the narrow angle sections between the central and side sections of the panel. When the'ribs are made of metal, suchv for example as sheet metal, they are shaped to conform to the cross-section'of the panel and may be secured thereto by welding, riveting, metal screws, etc. In either case therib advantageously has an ar-ced central section so thatV the central portion of the panel isbowed out;

The awning of the 4present invention is characterized by exceptional versatility'lbecause of itsV adjustability in several respects and because it may be made from a few standardized elements. The improved awning can be applied to any height or 'width ofwindow, and properly balanced or styled therefor, by carefully'sizing the different dimensions of the awning. Since the elements of the awning are comprised primarily of a few standard elements, it is economical to manufacture, and for the manufacturer or dealer to keep the component parts inistock.

As an example of an awning constructed in accordance with the features of the present invention, a plurality of standard panels are are ranged side by .side in the same plane and in transverse Yreinforcing elements orribs are made Y of wood they are secured to the sheet lmetal of spaced relation so that they properly cover the width of the window orother building Vfeatures to which the awning is applied, One end of these panels is secured to the frame above the window and mounted at the selected slope by attaching v the lower ends of the panels to a frame structure extending out .from the side of theabuilding or window frame, The space between adjacent standard supporting'f'rame elements and Vdeco-- rative scalloped strips associated therewith for providing a horizontal'frame -togsupportthe lower;

end of the awning panels. Y Thisfrane structure is advantageously made of thin sheet metal which is bent into the form of a flaring channel member having longitudinal slots'or lrecessesl for receiving thei'decorativestrips and other elements. i

The principal standard element of the-improve awnings 'of the` present invention'comprises a standard panel made of a single sheet of metal bent to form a lWide central longitudinal section and an. offset parallel relatively narrow section 3 on each side, the offset bent portion being at about right angles to the side sections. The longitudinal edges of the panel are bent at right angles to form a reinforcing flange extending toward the back. This sheet metal panel member as described is normally provided with end transverse reinforcing members or ribs made of wood or sheet metal, having a contour which fits inside the ends of the sheet metal portions of the panel, the opposite or back edge lbeing straight.

The wide central section of the standard panel is advantageously made slightly oval while the bordering offset parallel sections are iiat and in the same plane with each other. jThe sheet metal of the panels as well as other sheet metal parts of the ownings are preferably of aluminum and they may be painted or enameled in'any desired color or color combination. It has been round that awnings made in accordance with the invention may be readily given a surface comparable to that applied to automobiles, by rbaking on the paint or enamel.

While the panel elements used in making the awnings are the standard length, they may be overlapped end-to-end so that two ormore panel lengths may be used in each panel section of an awning Where a long awning is required. In such a case the lower transverse reinforcing member of the upper standard panel is removed so that the sheet metal of the panel directly overlaps the next lower panel. Y

Various other changes and adjustments may be made in constructing awnings in accordance with the present invention, some of which will be included in the following detailed description made in accordance with the accompanying drawings illustrating certain embodiments of the invention and specific awning structures, it -being understood that the invention is illustrated by the drawings, but not limited to the specic structures and modifications shown therein.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an awning applied to the window of a house, the awning being made up of a pair of standard panels mounted side-by-side and arranged in accordance with the features of the present invention.`

Fig. 2 is a broken vertical sectional view on an enlarged scale, taken on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a broken sectional view on an enlarged scale taken on the line 3-.3 of Fig. 1, showing the spacer unit between panels.

Fig. 4 is a broken perspective view of an enlarged scale showing in greater detail the structure and arrangement of the parts of the spacer unit shown in Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a sectional View on an enlarged scale taken on the line 5-5 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is a vertical sectional view on an enlarged scale taken on the line 6-6 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view from the'inside of a panel reinforcing rib made from a single sheet metal blank.

Fig. Sis a broken horizontal View on an en larged scale showing the method of Acutting the angle bar frame stock` in forming an awning corner.

Fig. 9 is a view similar to that of Fig. l, showing a modified form of awning in which one standard panel overlaps another to providean awning' of suitable length for a large window.

Fig. 10 is a broken sectional' View on anenlagged .Sceleiakee the .line ff-wbf 'Fie-1:9 at thel position of the overlap-ofthe panels.

Fig. 11 is an enlarged broken View taken on the line I l-I l of Fig. 9.

Figs. 12 and 13 illustrate a modied form of spacer construction adapted to cover the space between the sides of adjacent parallel panels of an awning, Fig. 12 being an enlarged sectional view taken on the line l2f-I2 of Fig. 13,

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a modified form of awning or canopy including a plurality of standard panels arranged in a structure suitable for mounting over a door or doorway of a building,

Fig. 15 is a broken sectional view on an enlarged scale taken onthe line |5-l5 of Fig. 14.

The roof .portion of the improved awning shown in Fig. l of the drawings comprises a pair of standard panels 20 and 2l mounted side-byside and generally in the same plane over a window 22, the panels being spaced apart so that their outside edges extend respectively to the outer edges of the window frame. 'Ihe upper ends of the panels 20 and 2l are attached to and supported in individual metal channel ilashing brackets 23 attachedto the upper part of the window frame, a portion of each bracket projecting under the panels while the upper portion extends over the upper ends of the panels to shed rain.

The panels 20 and 2l are mounted at the'desired slope with respect'to the window, for example 45l degrees, and they have their lower ends attached to and supported away from the house by a metal frame 24 made of angle or channel bars of generally spreading U-s'hape in crosssection, as shown vin Figs. 2 and 6. The frame 24 is U-shaped and mounted in a horizontal position with the ends vof the legs of the U being attached to the side frame members of the Win dow. `A decorative scalloped skirt made vup of scalloped strips 25 are secured in the supporting frame V24 and overlap each other in the front center of the awning as indicated in dotted lines in Fig. l. IStrips 25 of Vsuitable length are provided so that they will be suiliciently long t0 be used for windows of various widths. The side portions of the awning each include a triangular shaped scalloped side brace 26 attached-to the window frame by screws extending through ange 21. Scalloped side brace 28 has a lower edge extending into` a fold of the channel Vframe 24 Yto which it is fastened by metal screws. The scalloped hypotenuse of each bra'ce'Ztl is spaced from the sloping portion of the awning, that is,

kthe outer edge of the panels 20 and 2l, respec- 55 tively, to provide suitable ventilation for lthe awning.

The structure of the channel bar frame member 24 and its relationship te the scalloped skirt 25 and brace 26 is shown in section in Fig. 6, from which it will be noted that the channel or bar 24 is made of thin sheet metal bent upon itself vto provide flanges 28 and 29 at an angleof about to the vertical portion of the bar. Thesheet metal of the front portion of the member 2,4 is bent to forman upwardly extending slot 30 into which the lower edge of the scalloped side brace 26 fits, and a downwardly extending slot 3l into which 'the upper edge of the scallopedwvantageously Vmade up in standard straight 75;A

lengths, two sections` beingv Tused`l .td-"make the frame in Fig. 1, each section oi wliic'liliasan end attached to the Vside frame of the window, is bent to' form a corner, and includes a portion extending to a point adjacent the front center portion of the awning. The 'corner bends in the frame members 2li are made in a manner illustrated in Fig. 8 of the drawings, wherein a right angle cut-out 3 l is -made through the flanges 28 and 29 so that the vertical' portion of the channel stock, including the inserted skirt 245,' is 'not cut, but can be readily bent to form a 90 turn.-

WhereV an awning is made by providing two panels, such as 29 and 2i, directly adjacent'each other, the channel bars 24 should be sufficiently long to overlap slightly sov that they may be se-V cured together. Otherwise, as illustrated in connection wtih Figures 1 and 2, a short section of channel shaped splicing bar 33 is utilized as a center splice and is attached'to the respective ends of the frame members 24 at the iront center portion of the awning. It will be noted that the i'iange 29 in Fig. 6 and also in Fig.'2, forms a slot 34 into which an edgeV of the splicing stock 33 is inserted from the end. Otherwise, the splicing stock 33 has generally the cross-section of the channel bar stock 2li into which lit i'its, in the manner shown in Fig. 2. The channel splicing stock 33 is made of thin-sheet metal, with the upper flange and vertical section of double stock, while the lower flange fits into the slot 34. The splicing piece 33 is bolted to the respective ends of the channel frame'mernbersill by two bolts 32 at each end. Y

The improved panel structures 2d and 2l used in making the awning shown in Fig. 1 are made from a single Vfiat oblong sheet of thin sheet metal such as aluminum or sheet steel by bending it lengthwise symmetrically on each side of a central relatively wide panel section 35 extending from end-to-end of the sheet or panel. Two bends are made on each side, including an offsetting bend or section 3G and a flange bend 31, both of which are in the same direction and between which is provided a i'iat surface or section 38 in a plane generally parallel to the wide central section 35. IThe long narrow nat surfaces 38 at the respective edges of the panel are in the same plane, while the bent sections 36 and 31 provide longitudinal stiffness to the panel. As an example, the section 35 of the panel sheet may be fourteen inches wide, the sections 38, two inches, and sections 3B and 3l, one-half inch.

The panels may be from three to five feet or more Y upper portions of which iit the general' contour of the upper surface oi, the panel, such for example as-the panel 2 l. The rib includes bent-in sections 52 which tinside the downwardly bent surfaces 330i the panel, and similarly bent-in sections d3 whichriitinsidethe downwardly bent f flanges 3?. The sections Zand d3 have holes, as:v

shown, for reception of the screws, 49. i'iherib.

includes a bent-in top or iront section,r 39 which lits under theV central section ,35 of lthe panel sheet, which in the form shown is slightly awed, this arc also being provided` in thel central end 6. section 4l of the rib. As an example, the ampli-l tude of this arc may be approximately one-half inch in a width of fourteen inches for the panel section 35. The rib 39 also includes a bent-in back or bottom iiange 45 which extends to and within the bent-in sections Q3, this flange having a row of holes 46 for use in securing the panel, such as 2 I, to a supporting structure. The central section of the rib 39 also includes a pair of spaced holes 41 for use in certain special instances. In Fig. l of the drawings, the panels 29 and 2i are secured to the lower flange of the flashing brackets 23 by screws which extend into some of the holes 46 of the upper ribs of these panels, the lower ribs of the panels being-secured in a similar manner by bolts or screws i8 to the ilanges 29 of the channel bars 24, in the manner indicated in Fig. 2 of the drawings.

In constructing and installing the awning shown in Fig. 1 of the drawings in which the standard panels 2l]v land 2l are spaced apart to t the window, the space between the panels is taken care of by providing side locking elements wand 5e, of the same structure, attached respectively to the adjacent edges of the panels 29 and 2l, and between which is mounted a spacer sheet 5| extending down over the lowerv ends of the panels, the frame member 24, and the lapping portions of the scalloped edge 25. This overlapping portion of the spacer sheet 5I is secured to the central front assembly by means. of a pair of screws or bolts 32. The upper por-- tion of the spacer sheet 5| and side locks 43! and 50 are covered by a bent flashing splicer 52' which overlaps the ashing channels 23.

The detailed construction oithe central por--y tion of the awning is shown more particularly in Figs. 3 and 4, in which the side locks 49 and 50 are shown to be of the same structure, each including a horizontal folded portion lying on the section 38 of the panel and providing a slot 53 for the reception of the spacer sheet 5| which is slid into the slots 53 and pushed to the top of the awning. The side lock also includes in integral downwardly bent vertical folded section 54 which extends around and locks onto the flange 37 at .the edge of the panel. rThe side locking members 49 and 5i! arey made from thin sheet metal of the type ofthat used in making the panels, bent into the shape shown in Fig. 3, and slipped onto the edges of the respective panels from one end by simply removing screws 40 extending through the ange 31. v After the side locking member 49, for example, is pushed up into place, the screw 49 may be reinserted by merely providing matching holes through the folded portions 54. Where the panels, such as 20 and 2 I, are made up in the shop, for use in making awnings, one edge of each may be provided with a side lock such as 49 or 50. such as the sheet 5 i, may be provided in different standard lengths and widths, for use in accommodating different spacings between awning panels. Y f

The spacing structure shown in Figs. 1, 3 and Ll,`provides an effective adjustable'join't, since anyrain rentering the portion of the awning between thev lpanels 20 and 2l will be effectively drained iT. Should any rain water lget in under the lside locking membersonto the panel sections 38, it willbe trapped in the folds 54 and discharged at the lower end of the awning. Any number of panels may be arranged side-by-side and in approximately the same plane,rto provide yan awning of any desired width, and where adiacent .panelsv are mounted directly adjacent to eachother, the adjacent flanges 31 maybe simply locked' together by. providing ar simple U-shaped channel member which extends around and under the adjacent flanges 3'! in the same way that the folded section 54 extends around the single flange 3l, as shown in Fig. 3, In such a case, any'water entering the channel willbe discharged at the bottom of the lower end of the awning.

Figs. 9, and .l1 of the drawings show a form of=construction which is slightly modied with respect to the awning of Fig. 1, so that it is suitable for use as a commercial type. awning or for shading relatively large windows, portions Vof terraces, vsun decks and other structures. In Fig. 9 the awning is shown as applied over a large window 55 tothe upper frame ofwhich is attached a ashing'channel .member 5S which extends-entirely across'the window and has thev same cross-sectionas flashings 23 of Fig. 1. The awningl includes a vlJ-shaped frame 24a made from the spreading channel frame stock such as the frame 24, shown in Figs. 1 and 6. The awningin. Fig. 9 includes the scalloped edging or skirt 25 'and the scalloped triangular shaped bracket 26 which acts as a brace for the frame aswell as a decoration. The front portion of the frame 24a may be spliced in approximately the same manner as in Fig. 1 exceptthat the central splicema'y rextend across the width of one or more panels.

The principal feature of the awning shown in Figspl),r 10 and l1, is the combination of two overlapping panels to form one panel length for the roof of the awning. In Fig. 9, lower panels 51, 58 and 59 are attached to the front of the frame Main regularly spaced relationship in the manner described above in connection with Fig. 1 of the drawings. Above these panels are panels 50, 6| and 62 which respectively overlap the upper portion of the lower panels to the extent desired to provide an awning having the proper sized roof structure for the particular installation. The panels 60, 6I and 62 are attached to the lower ilange of the flashing channel member 56 by bolts or metal screws extending through the back of the reinforcing rib as in Fig. 1. It'will' be noted that the panels' 60, 6I

and 62 have ribs removed from their lower ends theawning at the position of the overlap. This maybe accomplished in the manner illustrated in Figs. 9 and 11 in which an angle member 63 extends across the awning under the overlapping portions of the panels to which it may be secured. In any case, thev angle member which may be .made of aluminum or rustless steel'is supported by end horizontal bracesV 64 which extend back :and engagethe frame of the vwindow 55. The angle member 64 may be attached to the triangularv shaped bracing 26 .as shown in Fig. 49. The angle'bar B3. can be fastened tothe backl flange portions of the upper ribs of .the

11. 'Ihe angle bars 63 and 64' may be'attached together by any suitable means,'not shown.

vWhen the Width of the awning illustrated in Fig.`9y is determinedyit is relatively simple to deeide upon the number of panel units for the roof, the space left over being divided equally between adjacent panel units, and this space sealed up in the mannerdescribed in connection with the awning of Fig. 1. Fig. 10 illustrates this constructionat'the position of the panel overlap to showthat at ythis vpoint the folded locking section 54 is spread su'lciently to accommodate both flanges 31 of the lapping panels forthe short distance where the panels overlap. It will also be'understoodthat the folded locking edge 54.rests directly onthe angle cross bar'63.

With. awnings-such as shown in Figs. 1 and 9, it is desirable to have them-ventilated so that any heat created `bythe sun beating on the roof of theawning will 'bedissipatedz In the awnings shown` ink these gures this is taken care of bythe spacing between the triangular scalloped braces 2B and the edge of the roof panels. This space also-takes care of 'gusts of wind which otherwise might tend to damage the awning.

Figs. 12 and 13 illustrate a modified spacer arrangement combined with the adjacent panels in Ysuch a way that the awning will have more ventilation, the structure being illustrated for example in connection with an awning such as that shown in Fig. 1- of the drawings.

In `l1"-ig.v13 the flanges 3l of the adjacent spaced awning panels 65 carried by'ashings 23a and frame 24afare provided with 'a folded water baffle 61 which folds around the flange 3l and extends aboveY the level of the section 3B of the panel, as shown more distinctly in Fig. 12. A Ventilating spacer sheetGB having the contour showny in Fig. 12 extends over the space between the panels 66 and overlaps the water baffles 57. This spacer 68 extends under theflashing elements 23a and'52a and is supported substantially above the Water bafflesrl by means of tubular spacer elements 59 on which thespacer sheet 68 rests. Screw bolts 'lil pass through holes in the Ventilating spacer 68 throughthe tubular spacers 69 and the portions 38 of the panels 66. The path of the air isV shownby the arrows in Fig. 12. The tubular` spacers are preferably used at least at the upper and lower portions of the awning, but also may be used at intermediate points to properly secure the spacer-"sheet 58 to the panels. At the lower end of theawning the spacer sheet may terminate in line withthe ends of the panels, but it 'is advan-tangeously provided with an extension 'H whichA is bent inthe form shown in Fig. 13, sol

, tached to thewall of the building over the door or doorway. Ifl desired, the upper edge of the flashing V12 may bev inserted under a clapboard of a house, or bent into the mortar space between the brick. -The lower part of the flashing hasflockedor-hooked thereto a foldedstructure vIt* havingfthe conguration.illustrated inFig. 15,

9 which includes a laterally extending channel 14 extending upwardly to the ridge of the canopy and then symmetrically downwardly on the opposite side. The channel 14 has a lower Vflange 15 for carrying the ends of panels.

Standard panels having the raised center and side wing structure described and illustrated above have their ends mounted in the channel `14 and secured to the flange 15. As illustrated, the eave sections of the canopy are made up of laterally or forwardly extending panels 15 and 11, while the ridge section is formed of panels 18 and 19. These four panels are mounted in adjacent or overlapped relationship to each other in the manner shown, and their ends whichextend into the channel 14 are secured to the lower flange 15 by the use of screws or bolts BBF which extend through the back rib holes 46.

The outer ends of the panels 16 to 19 extend forward into a laterally extending channel 8| of a folded mounting V82 having the same structure as the panel retainer 13, the end ribs of the panels in detail inv Fig. 15 in which it will be seen that the flashing member 12 has an upturnedffolded flange 84 providing a slot into which a flange 85 of the member 13 hooks for supporting the inner ends of the panels. The sheet metal forming the ing through the seams between the panels.

upper panels to shed rain. The adjacent edges of the respective panels may be mounted close channel or grip overlap the flanges 31 of adjacent panels, and in addition the seam may be filled with caulking compound or paint so that rain will iiow readily off the canopy without leak- In some cases caulking compound is suicient alone for effecting a waterproof. seal between adjacent panel edges, and caulking compound may be used at other points, if desired. n

The standardized elements used in making the awnings of the present invention may be provided in various standard colors or in standard contrasting colors harmonized or in contrast with the usual paint colors used in painting houses, thereby giving the customer a selection to meet his particular needs.

The new awnings constructed in accordance with the featuresV ofthe present invention are versatile to a high degree and adaptable to a panel retainer 13 is folded as shown to form a complete metal channel member, the flange-like Ysides of which overlap the end portions of the panels, each of these side portions including two thicknesses of metal as shown'. The panel retainers 13 and 82 which serve to tie the panels tcgether have Vthe same structure and they are mounted so that their channels directly face each other. The flange 85 of the retainer 82 provides into the upper slot 3G in the same manner as the plate 26, while a scalloped edging 25h, madetup of two overlapping sections, is secured in thev upwardly extending slot corresponding to the slot 3| in Fig. 6. The lapping portion of these edging sections is covered byra Aplate 81 which is also inserted in the slot in the 'frame member' 24h and secured therein by lscrews or bolts. The plate t1 is also scalloped along its lower edge so as to iit into the pattern of the scalloped edgings 25h.

The frame 2417 may be braced by an upwardly inclined brace, not shown, extending from each side of the building upwardly to the frame, if desired, such a brace being covered by a triangular shaped sheet 88 having a ange secured to the wall, and an upper edge which is inserted into the downwardly extending slo-t of the frame 2gb. The sheet 88 is scalloped along its lower inclined edge and serves as a bracing support for the frame and the structure carried thereon.

Various modifications may be made in making up the canopy type awning shown in Fig. 1li,

, and more, or less than four standard panels may be used. In the case of four panels, the lower edge wings of the upper panels 18 and 19 advantageously overlap the respective upper A edge wings yof the lower panels, and a cap may great variety of uses including private ,dwellings and commercial buildings. The awings have the advantage .over canvas or wooden awningsv in that they do not tear, warp, crack or become distorted :ini shape. the awnings 4fare 4made up in standard colors the paint or enamel may be ,baked on so that the awnings will last almost indefinitely without the necessity of repairs or replacement.

Since the awnings are made of thin sheet metaL'preferably aluminum, or other light metal or alloy, their initial expense will beV relatively low, and since'they areymade up of readily installed elements or sub-assemblies, their installation cost is also low. The new awnings have the advantage that they may be readily assembled if desired by the customer byfollowing simple instructions.` Furthermore, where anawning is used over a window or terrace during certain seasons of the year it may be readily taken down and stored away at the end of the season and put up again the following year. On the other hand the awnings are durable and withstand any kind of weather conditions, whereas canvas awnings might be completely wrecked and the elements of wooden awnings might be- Y v come split and warped, and work loose.

It will be understood that variations and modications may be made in the specific form and shape of theV awnings, in the panel sections used as elements in making up such awnings, and in the structure for bracing or supporting the awning; It will be seen that while the awnings of the present invention are made of thin flexible sheet metal, the principal elements Lcomprising the panels or panel sections will be given 1ongitudinal rigidity by the special shape of the sheet metal of the panel, transverse rigidity being provided by the transverse reinforcing elements or ribs.

Where'awings are made with one panel overlapping another, they can be made slightly different in size so that one panel fits perfectly into the'other. However for most work, this refinement is not essential. Y

The panel structures disclosed herein are claimed generically in the applicants pending application Serial No. 19,694, filed April 8, 1948, for Panel and Panel Structures.

What I claim` as new is:

v-1. In anawning arranged for mounting on a sidewall of a building, a roof portion composed be provided Over theadl'acent edge. Wings 0f the .75 primarily cf a plurality of similar rectangular Where' the elements, of

parallel relationship crosswseofthe awning,

each panel comprising a singlesheet of i metal bent to form flange-like edge sections' lengthwise of the sheet and extending towardthe-back of the panel, a centra-lrelatively Wide section extending lengthwise'of the panelv spaced inwardly from the bent edges'uniforrn'ly land oiset with respect to the surfaces Yof 'the sheet adjacent to the bent flange-like edges by-substan tially right-angle `bends extending parallel to the ange-like edges of the sheet, the offset bends extending from the ksurfacesoi the sheet'adjacent to the anges in a direction opposite to that of the flanges, means for securing one end of each` panel to the wall, means for supportingthe opposite ends of the panels in position away from the wall, said panels being spaced laterally with respect to' each other, and means attached tothe adjacent edges of adjacent panels for covering the space therebetween.

2.,In an awning arranged for mounting on a building structure, a sloping. roof structurecomposed primarily of aplurality` of rectangular `oblong-shaped panels mounted inparallel relationship` inabout the same yplane crosswise of the awning, each panel comprising a single sheet of metal forming the surfaceof the panel, a ange `on each lengthwise edge of-the sheet-extending toward the back .of the panel, acentral relatively wide sectionlengthwise of thel panel spaced inwardly from the side edges uniformly and offset with respect to .the surfaces ofthe sheet adjacent to the edges, flashing. meansfor securing the upperV ends of the panels tothe building structure, frame-means forv suppo-rting the lower ends of the panels `in positionawayrfrom the building structure, .saidv panels being spaced laterally with respect to eachother, and means attached to the adjacent edge yportions of adjacent panels for rain-proong the space therebetween 3. An awning as claimed by claim 2 in which the means attached `to adjacent' edge portionsof adjacent panels comprisesaspacer sheet'covering the space between adjacent.4 panelsv` and mounted .in spacedrelation to .the upper-surfaces of the adjacent panels.Y

4. In anawning arrangedfor` mounting-on a building structure, a slopingyroofstructure composed primarily of a plurality ofrectangular oblong-shaped panels mounted -in parallel laterally spaced relationship. and in about; the-same plane orosswise of the awning, eachpanel comprising a single sheet ofzmeta-l forming the'surfaceof theV panel, a flange-ion each lengthwise edge of the sheet extending;toward-theback of the panel, a central` relatively' wide section lengthwise of the panel spaced inwardly from the -sideiedges uniformly and offsetY with respect to the surfaces of the sheet adjacent tothe edges, dashing means for securing theupper ends of the panels to the building structure,- frame means for supporting the lower endsof -the panels in position away from the building structure,A said frame means comprising'a U-shaped channel structure made of folded thin sheet metal having an upwardly and a downwardly-extendingA slot,

-a decorative border strip secured in the downwardly-extending slot, and meansattached to the adjacent edge portions of adjacentv panels for rain-proofing the space therebetween.

5.y An awning-comprising a slopingfroof "section composed primarily of a plurality of similar standard oblong rectangular 'shaped sheet metal 12 panelsxmountedin about the same generalfplane and inparallel relationship acrossthe'roof portion of.. the. awning withA theirl lengthwise dimension extending in thedirection of the slope of the awning, each :panellcomprising va:relative1y Iwide. single sheet of thin metal having'narrow parallel-longitudinal edge reinforcing nanges extending toward the back ofy the panel, spaced fia-tY longitudinal sectionsin acommon plane on the respective sides of the `panel adjacent said flanges, an interveninglongitudinally extending relatively wide-central section Yraised toward' the front ofthe panel with respectn to theV flatl side sections and joined thereto by integral relatively narrow reinforcing sections of the panel sheet, atransverse reinforcing rib securedV in each end ofeach'panel sheet,- means for-securingfthe upper end of each panel to.-thewall of a building-means for supporting thelower ends'ofl the panels away from the'building structure; said panels being spaced laterally -with respect to each other, and meansattached'to the adjacent edge portions-.oi adjacent panels for rainprooing the space therebetween.

6. An awning comprising a'sloping roof'section composed primarily of a plurality' of similar standard -oblong rectangularshaped -sheet metal panels" mounted in Aspaced relation side-by-side Arespectto the at side sections and joinedthereto by integral relatively narrow sections of the panel sheet, a transverse reinforcing rib secured the upper endof each panel sheet, means attached to-said-rib for securing theupper end of each panel to the wall vof a` building-,a channel framev of` folded thin sheet metal `for supporting the lower ends of the'panels away from the building structure, and ay spacerv sheet attached totheadjacent edgeportions of adjacent-panels for covering the space therebetween.

'7.Y An awning. as defined by claim 6 inwhicn said frame includes flanges` of two thiclmesses of metal and a front-having a reverse fold 'formingv an upwardly and a downwardly extending slot, a borderstrip in the downwardly extending slot, a triangular shaped brace at Aeach side of the awning roof Yhavingits lower edge -secured in said upwardly extending slot.

8. An awning as denned by claim 6 in which a transverse reinforcing rib is secured in the lower end of each panel sheet, and means securing the ribs in the lower ends ofithe panel sheets to thev upper flange of the channel frame.

9. An awning structure having a sloping roof composed primarily of a plurality 'of relatively long oblong rectangular shaped sheet metal panels laterally spaced from each other with their lengthwise dimension extending in the direction of the slope of the roof, each panel having narrow longitudinal edge flanges extending toward the back of the panel, and a spacer unit for covering the space between adjacent panels including a forwardly extending member for each of the adjacent edges of adjacent panels attached thereto and extending therealong, and aj spacer plateextending over'said members and the space between the adjacent panels in spaced relation to said members and to the respective edges of the adjacent panels to provide for ventilation of the awning, said spacer plate being attached to and supported en the surfaces of the adjacent panels by intervening spacer elements.

10. An awning as defined by claim 9 in which the longitudinal edges of the spacer plate are turned upwardly so as to substantially prevent drainage of water therefrom onto the adjacent panels.

11. An awning structure having a sloping roof composed primarily of a plurality of relatively long and wide oblong rectangular shaped thin sheet metal panels in the same plane and laterally spaced from each other with their lengthwise dimension extending in the direction of the slope of the roof, each panel having narrow longitudinal edge reinforcing flanges extending toward the back of the panel, a spacer unit for covering the space between adjacent panels including a forwardly extending rain trap member attached to each of the adjacent edges of adjacent panels, and a thin sheet metal spacer plate extending over said members and the space between the adjacent panels, and a horizontal U-shaped frame supporting the lower portion of the panels comprising standard channel members of folded thin sheet secured together at the front of the awning.

12. An awning as defined by claim 11, in which the channel members of the frame include flanges at 135 degrees to the front of the channel, a folded front forming an upwardly and downwardly extending slot, a scalloped edging in the latter slot, and awning side plates each having an edge secured in the upwardly extending slot of the legs of the U-shaped frame.

113. In an awning having a sloping roof structure, the combination comprising a roof structure including a plurality of laterally spaced relatively wide panels extending in the direction of the slope of the roof and parallel to each other, each panel including downwardly projecting edge reinforcing flanges, a spacer unit connecting adjacent panels including a locking member locked onto each adjacent flange of adjacent panels and extending somewhat over the adjacent panel surface to provide a lateral slot, the slots in the adjacent locking members facing each other, and a spacer sheet mounted in said slots and extending the full length of the awning.

14. An awning as defined by claim 13 in which each locking member is of thin sheet metal and is folded over and around the panel flange and includes an integral slot-forming fold lying on the surface of the panel adjacent the ange.

15. An awning having a roof structure comprising a pluraity of relatively wide oblongshaped panels extending outwardly from the structure on which it is mounted and parallel to each other, each panel including downwardly projecting edge flanges, and a mounting channel member into which one end of each of the panels extends and to which they are secured, said channel member being formed of thin sheet metal folded to form the flanges of the channel and a connecting web having on the side opposite the flanges a layer of metal forming a downwardly projecting slot.

16. In an awning arranged for mounting on a building structure, the combination of a sloping roof structure composed primarily of a plurality of rectangular oblong shaped panels mounted side-by-side in about the same plane crosswise of the awning roof with their lengthwise dimension extending in the direction of the slope of the roof, each panel comprising a single sheet of thin metal forming the surface of the panel, an integral reinforcing flange on each lengthwise edge of the panel sheet extending toward the back of the panel, an integral central relatively wide section lengthwise of the panel sheet uniformly spaced from the side edges and offset with respect to the surfaces of the sheet adjacent to its lengthwise edges, means for securing the upper ends of the panels to the building structure, a U-shaped frame supporting the lower ends of the panels away from the building structure comprising a channel frame structure mounted edgewise with the legs of the U-shaped frame extending substantially horizontally and attached to the building structure, said panel frame being formed of a folded sheet of thin metal including a double lapped front portion forming an upwardly and a downwardly-extending slot, a decorativeedging in the latter slot, and a triangularshaped sheet of thin metal mounted on each side of the awning roof with its lower edge secured in the upwardly-extending slot of the leg of the U- shaped frame, its vertical edge secured to the building structure and its hypotenuse edge spaced from and approximately parallel to the sloping edge of the awning roof.

LEON M. KENDALL.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 801,154 Pioch Oct. 3, 1905 1,241,281 Reiss Sept. 25, 1917 1,868,158 Bonsall July 19, 1932 1,868,191 Bonsall July 19, 1932 1,870,731 Isaacson Aug. 9, 1932 1,901,976 Martin Mar. 21, 1933 2,078,478 Allen Apr. 27, 1937 2,204,493 Henry June 11, 1940 2,211,644 Buck et al. Aug. 13, 1940 2,442,891 Harrison et al June 8, 1948 2,474,011 Overly June 21, 1949 2,486,660 Kurtz Nov. 1, 1949 

